Should You Buy Gluten-Free Foods?

I'm seeing more and more gluten-free foods at the market. Should I buy them?

Probably not. Gluten, a protein found in many grains (including wheat and rye), is often added to processed foods such as soups and salad dressings. You're seeing so many gluten-free items because about 1 in 133 Americans suffers from an autoimmune disorder called celiac disease, in which the immune system responds to the gluten in foods by damaging the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms include bloating, weight loss, and fatigue. If you don't have celiac disease, gluten-free foods won't offer any health benefits. Most aren't lower in calories or higher in nutrients, and they can cost a lot--one box of gluten-free crackers runs about $5. If you suspect that gluten is causing a bloating or digestive problem, see your doctor, who can diagnose you with a blood test.